Pediatric Sedation Dentistry

Children, like many adults, can experience dental anxiety. It’s common for them to feel anxious at the dentist’s office, especially since it’s a new and unfamiliar environment.

Children experiencing anxiety or those with special needs who are unable to cooperate for necessary dental treatment may benefit from anesthesia services.

When you and your child come in for your appointment, Dr. Hoffmann, Dr. Thoms, or Dr. Behl will work with you to determine the best option based on your child’s anxiety level and ability to cooperate. We look forward to meeting you!

Pediatric Dentistry St Louis
I cannot say enough wonderful things about The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr. Thoms. My 7-year-old, who has autism, recently had dental work done here and the experience exceeded expectations. The staff was incredibly kind, patient, and understanding of his needs. They took the time to make him and us feel comfortable, never rushed, and explained everything. I am so grateful for this office and the team that made my son's dental care possible. I would recommend The Dental Anesthesia Center and Dr Thoms to any parent, especially those with children who have special needs. They truly go above and beyond. ❤️
Response from the owner:Thank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words! We’re truly grateful for your trust in our team and Dr. Thoms. Knowing your visit was a positive and comfortable experience means the world to us — it’s exactly what we strive for with every patient and family. 💙
Very patient with elderly patients. Very good experience.
Response from the owner:Thank you for sharing your feedback! We’re pleased to know the visit was a positive experience.
My son has been a patient of Dr Michael Hoffman since he was 5 years old. He is now 21 years old. My son has diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder and therefore I am cautious of who I select as a treatment provider. Dr. Hoffman’s office is professional, kind and I know they have his best interest at heart. I highly recommend Dr. Hoffman and staff to anyone seeking dental care.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and recommendation! We truly appreciate your trust in our team over the years.
Super experience. Gentle and empathetic. All round care is great. Staff are wonderful.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind review! We’re so glad you had a great experience with our team.
We are forever grateful for Dr Hoffman and his wonderful staff for having the vision of how to get necessary dental work done for patients who are dealing with autism and cannot tolerate it without dental anesthesia. We have been taking our adult daughter there once a year for the last four years. Thanks to Dr Hoffman’s vast knowledge and expertise, our daughter has been able to get wisdom teeth removed, cavities filled, teeth cleaned and detailed X-rays to know exactly what needed done. The Dental Anesthesia Center is a great service to the community. Thank you so much for helping us.
Response from the owner:hank you so much for your thoughtful review and kind words about our team! We truly appreciate your trust in us and are honored to provide care in a way that helps make dental treatment more comfortable and accessible for all patients. Your feedback means a great deal to our entire staff.

Compassionate and Customized Dental Care for Kids

We understand that every child is unique, and some may experience anxiety, sensory sensitivities, or medical conditions that make traditional dental treatments challenging. Our pediatric dentist anesthesiologists are trained to address these concerns with empathy and expertise, delivering personalized care tailored to your child’s needs.

Dentistry for Children with Special Needs

Finding a pediatric dentist for special needs can sometimes be challenging. At The Dental Anesthesia Center, our pediatric dental anesthesia specialists have advanced training to interact positively with children with anxiety and special needs. Our office is fully equipped to accommodate patients with special needs, allowing us to deliver care in a relaxed and comfortable environment for you and your child.

We provide dental care for children with special needs, such as:

  • Trauma or PTSD
  • ADHD and other neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Sensory processing sensitivities
  • Behavioral or emotional challenges

Children with anxieties, phobias, severe gag reflexes, or difficulty getting numb are also candidates for our general anesthesia services.

What You Can Do to Help Your Child?

Positivity is Key!!! At a child’s first dental visit, parents play a vital role in creating a positive experience by “setting the stage.” Any fear or anxiety presented by the parents will be “picked up” by the child.

Parents can help ease their child’s dental anxiety by bringing them to their dental visits. When children see their parents go to the dentist, it lets them know it is not scary. Introducing the child to the dental office’s waiting room a few days before the dental visit will help the child feel familiar.

Please do not tell your child that something will hurt or be painful. This will only increase your child’s anxiety. Our main goal is to relieve our patient’s discomfort and restore their mouths to a healthy state. We strive to make all of our patients as comfortable as possible.

Are You Looking for a Pediatric Dentist Near You?

Call Us Today

The first two board-certified Dentist Anesthesiologists in the state of Missouri.

Why Choose The Dental Anesthesia Center?

  • Certified Anesthesia Expertise: Our team is certified to safely administer sedation and general anesthesia, ensuring your child’s comfort and safety.
  • State-of-the-Art Facility: Our office is equipped with advanced technology designed to provide the highest level of care.
  • Experienced Team: With years of specialized training, our staff is prepared to handle complex dental needs in a calm and nurturing environment.
  • Family-Centered Care: We partner with parents every step of the way, providing clear communication and support throughout the process.
Service Dog at the Dentist Office

Accommodations for Service Dogs

We welcome children who rely on service dogs for support. We understand the vital role these trained companions play in providing comfort and assistance during potentially stressful situations. Our facility is service-dog friendly, and we work closely with families to ensure the child and their service dog feel comfortable during the visit. From creating a designated space for the service dog to stay close by during treatment to accommodating any specific needs, we strive to make the dental experience smooth and supportive for all involved.

If your child uses a service dog, let us know in advance so we can make the necessary arrangements to provide a stress-free and welcoming environment.